Andrew Flynn was one of dozens of people who became U.S. citizens after a ceremony Friday in Concord, but the Milford man's path to citizenship started on a very dark road.

About 17 years ago, Flynn and three other men came to New Hampshire from Jamaica to work for a tree service company, but they ended up being forced to work and live in horrible conditions.

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"It's been so long, and I try to move on and not dwell on it and have it stick in my head," Flynn said. "I just look forward to better, positive things further on in life, you know."

Two people were convicted in federal court in 2003 of several charges that included trafficking for the purpose of forced labor. Flynn said he could have easily left the United States, but he didn't.

A local church helped him get on his feet, and he was one of 79 people from 35 different countries who took the oath of allegiance Friday and officially became Americans.

"Evil happens, but better things happen after, you know what I'm saying?" Flynn said. "A lot of bad things happen in this world, but great things happen, too. Out of just one bad, a million greats happen."

"It makes it very special," said his wife, Rachel Anderson. "He's been through a lot, but you know, God is by his side, and here he is now."

Flynn is now married with a 2-year-old daughter, a house and a good job installing satellite dishes. He said the past is past, and he's focused on building a future in a country that he loves.

"The freedom, the people. It's a great nation. It's a great country," he said. "What can I say? Everything is good about it."